SLIK WILLY “THE B.R.K.”: I am from Macon, Georgia. Born and raised. It’s a nice little town with a lot of music history. For example, Little Richard was discovered here, Otis Redding is from here. I’ve been a few places, but this is where I’ll always call home.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What is your music background?

SLIK WILLY “THE B.R.K.”: I grew up on a lot of music, 80’s rock, metal, 90’s rap. A lot of inspirations, but hip hop is what stuck with me the most. It was just a beautiful form of self-expression and poetry. It’s had such a massive impact on my life. I really don’t know where I’d be without it. Whether I was carrying an mp3 player or a walkman, you could guarantee it was hip hop coming through the headphones. This is what I eat, sleep, and breathe.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: Why do you want to record and release your own music?

SLIK WILLY “THE B.R.K.”: The answer to that is simple. Not only is it what I love to do and what I thrive on, it’s also the fact that I know I have a story worth telling. What better way to tell it than through music? I feel it’s the best way to let everybody know that they aren’t alone. Whatever struggle they have, I’m here with them and understand where they are coming from. After all, that’s what hip hop did for me, and I feel it’s the right thing to do for the next generation.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What are your songs about?

SLIK WILLY “THE B.R.K.”: My songs are about real life. Experiences I’ve either been through, someone I know has been through or things I’d like to achieve in the future. But I’m not always on the serious side, because that would be like a broken record that no one wants to hear. Some of my songs do come from my wacky personality and imagination, but everything I release comes from the heart. I wouldn’t lay down something I don’t feel. That would be lying to both myself and my audience.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: Who are your musical influences?

SLIK WILLY “THE B.R.K.”: There is a long list of musical influences in my life, but the short version would have to be Tupac, with his ability to incorporate poetry into hip hop is what drove me into this business. Eminem, with his game changing lyrical abilities, showed me anything was possible. Dr. Dre, as a dual threat, was able to create astounding beats and tear them apart at the same time with each verse he laid. T.I., with his charisma and confidence, I learned quick that as long you keep grinding, you will get where you need to go, even if it takes a little hustling to help get you there. That’s just to name a few, the list goes on and on.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: How would you describe your music to people?

SLIK WILLY “THE B.R.K.”: I would describe it as unique and captivating. There’s always something there for everybody. Just take a listen and you’ll find what you’re looking for. A roller coaster ride of emotions, nothing is held back. Inspirational, while listening to each song there is a lesson to be found or a moral to take with you. Intelligent, word play is a must in my tracks. No catchy and repetitive verses here. Refreshing, a dose of classic hip hop that we all know and love with just a hint of the new to keep you guessing. To sum it up, in comparison to what is out there today, I would describe my music as different.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What makes you standout from other artists?

SLIK WILLY “THE B.R.K.”: I’m outspoken. I hold nothing back. I’m willing to push 24/7-365 and do what it takes to get what’s mine. I’m something the hip hop game hasn’t seen before, or at the very least, not in a long time. I’m real. I’m not just a shopping list on a three verse track. I’m living proof you can do what you put your mind to. Don’t believe me? Just take a close look. Unlike most artists, I know I’m not perfect and that there’s a difference between hate and constructive criticism. There is always room for improvement. The day you think you can’t get any better, is the day you should hang it up and go home, because you are lying to yourself.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: Tell us about one of the hardest challenges you had to face in your music career and how did you overcome?

SLIK WILLY “THE B.R.K.”: Doing this mostly on my own, there have been many challenges I’ve faced. The hardest one so far would have to be getting the industry’s attention. Even though I’ve had such a great fan base in my home town and surrounding cities and great responses from every showed I’ve played, I’m constantly paying dues every step of the way and it feels like I’m screaming but no one hears a sound. I realize that this is an obstacle that all artist’s face, but it’s so much worse knowing that all you need is that one opportunity. That one person, or company, to give you that chance. How did I overcome it? I’m working on that every day, step by step. Still moving forward, pushing smaller obstacles out of my way. Knowing that if I was to give up now, I would leave the people that look up to me, believing that failure is an option and that simply can never, and will never, happen.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What are some upcoming projects that you are currently working on?

SLIK WILLY “THE B.R.K.”: I’m in the midst of working on a new album called “The Dirty Truth.” It will be just as it’s titled, the truth about myself, my life, the industry, the world and everything you can think of, told in the way I see it. Other than that, there will be quite a few singles, unrelated to the album, released between now and then. I mean, I’m always working, so anything is possible. You never know when the mood will strike, so just be on the lookout.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

SLIK WILLY “THE B.R.K.”: There are so many goals I’ve set for myself. Of course, being picked up at a label, roles on both TV. and movies, to reach the top of the charts, and the obvious platinum plaque…or five. My main goal of all though, is to set a new standard of what is being considered hot in hip hop. To cement my name with all the greats and eventually be inducted into The Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame. As far as where I see myself in 10 years, staying a household name, making hit records and showing the same love for my fans that I have since the beginning. Also becoming a cornerstone for the game itself and doing the best I can to improve my craft and better myself as an artist.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: How can your fans access your music and contact you?

SLIK WILLY “THE B.R.K.”: My music is accessible via Facebook.com/slikwillythebrk, ReverbNation.com/slikwillythebrk, Twitter @slikwillythebrk, YouTube, and all other social media platforms. Coming soon to iTunes. I’m also always available by e-mail, slikwillybrk@ymail.com. If you can’t find those, there’s always Google. (laughs).

Willy I love the most recent songs by you, Golden Coast, All Hail The King, and Change My Life! Feel my pain is phenomenal as well! With perserverence and determination I know you can achieve all your dreams!

I’ve heard so much about you, and just checked out your song Golden Coast with MattyBREE, its awesome! Let me make an industrial style beat for you to kill man! I’m gonna have to come see your next show!
Much props, and let’s listen to some poison together too! I love 80’s rock man!

I remember hearing you forever ago when Matt was in my old band, now look at you man, doing great things! I look forward to see what progress you make over the next year, hopefully I’ll be seeing you everywhere soon! NEVER GIVE UP!

Dude your musicis so good! It’s not what I typically listen to, but you catch my ear as an hip-hop artists you don’t talk about the same shit everyone else is, it’s unique and different, keep it coming with the material

Hey Willy, I’m quite impressed with your article here! I feel like I’ve learned a lot about you, and I’m checking out Change My Life right now, very different from your typical hip hop on the radio nowadays, but also much better!

Keep working hard to get your stuff out there, I’m all about helping spread the word!

I just wanted to tell you that you have blown me away with your last performance at the masquerade doing 2 sets back to back man major props to pullin out the stops I look forward to seeing you at apache in July

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